Élise Bonnail and Estelle Dargent opened Au Cast-On in Lille
Élise Bonnail and Estelle Dargent opened Au Cast-On, a wool shop and tea room combining 15 natural yarn references with local refreshments, at 37 rue des Pyramides in Lille on October 20, 2026, actu.fr reported. It is a new address in a quiet street behind the Sébastopol Theatre that has just opened in Lille (Nord).
The shop sits on a quiet street behind the Sébastopol Theatre. Founders Estelle Dargent, a former radio journalist and knitting influencer known online as Kalamity Knits, and Élise Bonnail, a knitting pattern creator known as Lily and Stitch Knit, launched the venue to focus specifically on quality yarns sourced from natural fibers.
Natural Yarns and Local Refreshments Behind Sébastopol Theatre
Shelves at Au Cast-On hold 15 distinct references across five brands. The inventory features single and double threads, fluffy and sequined options, mohair, angora, merino, and cotton. Prices range from 3 to 16 euros per ball.
Visitors stepping inside the 37 rue des Pyramides address walk through two front rooms furnished with armchairs that double as a tea room, with local specialties: the tea comes from Teatap in Marcq, the coffee from Roastosaur in Hellemmes, and the pastries from Chaleur Tournante in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, as Elise explains. The retail shop itself occupies the back of the store.
Crowds Arrive for Opening Day and Specialty Supplies
Foot traffic filled the shop immediately on its October 20 opening date. Estelle, a resident of Lambersart who visited after spotting the store on social media, noted that she previously had to order quality natural yarns through internet websites due to a lack of local options addressing animal welfare ethics.
The customer purchased two balls of soft red yarn to create a “Sophie scarf” as a Christmas gift, selecting circular knitting needles for the project. Dargent shared historical context on the tools, noting that flexible circular needles originated among Nordic fishermen who knitted with fishing line during long voyages. The knitter also mentioned that she belongs to a club and is already considering her next visit: I joined the Smilaines club in Lambersart, twice a week in a municipal room, but we cannot access it during school holidays.
Workshops Scheduled to Begin in Mid-November
Founders Bonnail and Dargent plan to set up workshops in November 2026. Beginning in mid-November, the shop will host knitting and crochet workshops designed for both beginners and experienced crafters.
Au Cast-On operates from Tuesday through Saturday, opening from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM at 37 rue des Pyramides in Lille.